Alex Mustard
Aliases: alex_mustard, Alex_Mustard, Dr. Alex Mustard, Alexander Mustard
Role: Underwater photographer, marine biologist, author, educator, Wetpixel associate editor
Born: February 4, 1975 ([1])
First appearance: 2003 (Wetpixel forums; first article mention January 16, 2003)
Affiliation: Wetpixel (associate editor, 2004–present), British Society of Underwater Photographers (committee member, later president 2024), Nauticam ambassador
Nationality: British
Residence: Mediterranean (Sardinia, Italy) and United Kingdom
Activity: 7,106 forum posts across 479 threads started; 143 articles authored; 282 articles mentioned in; 150 comments; active 2003–2024
Biography
Dr. Alexander Mustard MBE is a British underwater photographer and marine biologist who became one of the most influential figures in digital underwater photography through two decades of prolific contributions to the Wetpixel community, educational writing, technical innovation, competition judging, and his own award-winning imagery.
Mustard holds a PhD in Marine Ecology and a BSc in Marine Biology, and worked as a post-doctoral researcher at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton before leaving academia in 2004 to pursue underwater photography full time. ([2]) He began taking underwater pictures at age 9 and obtained his first digital SLR housing in 2002. ([3]) In January 2003, he published the first underwater review of the Nikon D100 in Underwater Photography (UwP) magazine, declaring “Digital is the future of underwater photography” (per Alex Mustard, 2026-06-09). He joined the Wetpixel community the same month.
In February 2004, Eric Cheng welcomed Mustard to Wetpixel as a moderator, noting his “experimental photography and wisdom in the way of fish and coral behaviour.” At that point, Mustard had already won four awards at the Antibes Festival (2002), founded the internet-based Young Underwater Photographers’ Group (YUP), served as a committee member of BSoUP, and was the main digital speaker at the UK’s Visions in the Sea conference 2003. ([4])
Mustard averages approximately 365 dives per year. He married Eleonora Manca on September 6, 2014 in Sardinia. ([5]) Their daughter was born in early 2016, coinciding with the release of the Nikon D5. ([6])
In 2018, Mustard was awarded an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for “services to underwater photography.” ([7])
Contributions to Underwater Photography
Magic Filter
Mustard invented the Magic Filter, a novel approach to available-light underwater color correction for digital SLR cameras. Unlike previous underwater filters that attempted to perfectly counteract seawater’s filtering effect (which varies with depth), the Magic Filter adjusts colors reaching the sensor to produce a color balance easily corrected by the camera’s white balance system. This enabled it to work from the surface down to 15m and produce reasonable results to at least 17m. The filter was made as an optical quality gel compatible with popular wide-angle lenses including fisheyes and ultra-wide zooms, and was targeted at SLR lenses sold as pre-cut gels. ([8])
The Magic Filter is a combination of three standard off-the-shelf filters (not a proprietary design), designed for tropical waters. A separate “Point and Shoot (PAS) Magic Filter” variant was developed for cameras without manual white balance, working at 5-17m depth. ([9], [10])
The filter scored its first UwP Magazine cover with issue 25 (July 2005), and Peter Rowlands also used the filter in his panorama article in the same issue. ([11]) Mustard went on sale commercially in August 2005 at £19 per sheet or £30 for a 3-pack. ([12]) Mustard demonstrated the filter at DEMA 2008 alongside Peter Rowlands. ([13]) A “Shooting Magic” DVD was released in February 2009, produced with Peter Rowlands. ([14]) Magic Filters ceased trading in 2026 upon Rowlands’ retirement. (per Alex Mustard, 2026-06-09)
Technical Writing and Reviews
Mustard became Wetpixel’s primary camera reviewer for major Nikon releases, conducting world-exclusive underwater tests of pre-production and newly released cameras. His reviews were notable for their field-test approach — shooting real subjects in real diving conditions rather than pool tests.
Key reviews include:
- Nikon D2X and Subal ND2 (March 2005): First-look review from Red Sea diving. ([15])
- Subal ND70 housing for Nikon D70 (August 2004): Noted it was designed by Arnold Stepanek on his laptop. ([16])
- Nikon D3 and D300 (October 2007): Preliminary test of pre-release cameras including the Nikon 14-24mm lens. ([17])
- Nikon D3 field review (September 2008): Landmark 3-part review — first comprehensive FX vs DX underwater comparison. Conducted over two weeks in British Columbia, California, and Mexico using a borrowed Subal ND3 and Craig Jones’s D3. Over 35 hours underwater. ([18])
- Nikon D700 in Subal ND700 (November 2008): Comprehensive full-frame comparison in the Red Sea, using the actual show-housing from DEMA. Described the D700 as a “classic pocket-battleship DSLR.” ([19])
- Nikon D7000 and Nauticam NA-D7000 (December 2010): World’s first underwater test — only 2 housings existed worldwide at the time of the first dive. First major Nauticam DSLR housing review. Peter Rowlands joined for Red Sea video testing. ([20])
- Nikon D4 (May 2012): World’s first underwater test using the world’s only housing at the time, taken to Iceland’s Silfra for deliberately challenging conditions. ([21])
- Olympus OM-D E-M5 (June 2012): Landmark mirrorless camera review — evaluated whether Micro Four Thirds could be a “no buts” alternative to SLRs for serious underwater photography. Tested in Malta, Gozo, and Comino. ([22])
- Nikon D5 first thoughts (September 2016): Reviewed in UK waters (Lundy Island, Farne Islands) with grey seals. Highlighted the D5’s autofocus as a significant jump over the D4. ([23])
- Nauticam 140mm dome port (November 2014): Comprehensive technical review covering dome optics principles, virtual image theory, and dome size vs. sensor format relationships. Commissioned his own custom one-off 150mm dome in 2010. ([24])
- Retra Flash (September 2017): Multi-photographer field review with disclosed collaboration. Tested with 9 photographers across different camera systems. ([25])
- ONEUW 160X strobe (July 2019): Field review in the Red Sea. ([26])
- Nauticam EMWL 160-degree lens (September 2022): Tested production-ready prototype at God’s Pocket Resort, British Columbia. Found the 160-degree objective delivered excellent sharpness and became his most-used EMWL lens. ([27])
- Sony a7R V in Nauticam NA-A7RV (February 2023): Declared it “the first mirrorless I enjoyed shooting underwater more than my SLR.” Made 40 dives with the camera in the Cayman Islands. Called it “a milestone” for underwater mirrorless photography. ([28])
Editorials and Opinion
- “The Trouble with TTL” (January 2006): Influential editorial arguing that manual strobe control is superior for digital underwater photography. Drew 19 comments and extensive community debate. Mustard admitted he himself had originally insisted on TTL when switching to digital (housing a Nikon land flash for his D100 in 2002), but became “one of the most vehement critics of the necessity of TTL” — a “reformed smoker.” ([29])
- “The Wetpixel Rinse Tank” (August 2011–): Regular opinion column on Wetpixel covering gear, techniques, and personal shooting updates. ([30])
- Close Focus series (2017–): Articles documenting the decision-making and preparation behind specific images, such as “Rig Diver” — a cormorant hunting beneath a working oil rig off Los Angeles. ([31])
Wetpixel Live
Co-hosted Wetpixel Live, a YouTube series conceived by Mustard during COVID-19 lockdown and launched June 28, 2020 with Adam Hanlon. Mustard co-hosted 289 of the 302 total episodes (numbered to 264, plus extras), making him effectively co-present throughout the series’ entire run from June 2020 through January 2024. The series accumulated approximately 329,000 views and ~89 hours of content. ([32])
Episode topics included his complete gear walkthrough, favorite shark images, top nudibranch pictures, water contact optics reviews, vacuum housing systems, and the “Is the SLR Dead?” discussion prompted by Nikon ceasing D500 supply. ([33], [34]) He also showcased his 20:20 Photo Collection in a dedicated episode ([35]).
The final numbered episode (264) aired March 13, 2023, and a farewell was released January 16, 2024. Mustard subsequently launched a solo successor series, “The Underwater Photography Show,” continuing the format independently.
Nauticam Collaboration and WACP Origin
In December 2014, Mustard pool-tested an optical corrector port prototype — a Carl Zeiss element adapted by optical designer Pete Ladell — showing 1-3 stop corner improvement over dome ports. This was the direct precursor to the commercial Nauticam WACP product line. The WACP-C was later described as “Alex Mustard’s prototype lens.” He also contributed to the development of Nauticam’s SMC, MFO, FCP, and EMWL optical products. (forum community)
Competition Judging and Organization
- Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY): Founder and chair of the jury, revived in 2014 with Dan Bolt and Peter Rowlands.
- Wildlife Photographer of the Year: Served on the judging panel and chaired the jury (2015).
- Our World Underwater: Judge (2015).
- CMAS: Member of 2015 jury.
- BP Kongsberg Underwater Image Competition: Judge (2005). ([36])
- Wetpixel photo contest jury: Named alongside Stephen Frink, David Fleetham, Jim Watt, and others (2004). ([37])
- Fotosub Gran Canaria: Among Wetpixel members who swept the competition. ([38])
Competition Ethics Advocacy
Mustard has been a vocal advocate for transparency in competition photography. In Reefs Revealed (2007), he introduced the [M] “MODIFIED” designation to mark any images whose content had been digitally manipulated — a practice he hoped would become standard in underwater photography books. ([39]) He also offset all carbon dioxide emissions from the air travel required for the book, a first for the genre. He raised debate in the community about subject manipulation (flying octopuses, Doubilet nudi on white sand) and retiring winning images. (forum community)
Scientific Discovery
Mustard co-discovered a previously unknown goby species in the Red Sea. The fish was first photographed by community member Bart (username: Glasseye Snapper) at Marsa Shagra in May 2013. Mustard independently found the species at Gubal Island at the mouth of the Gulf of Suez in February 2015, in a small lagoon at similar shallow depth (1-2m) in holes in non-living coral rock. Specimens collected by Emily Troyer were formally described in 2019 as Cerogobius petrophilus (horned goby) — a new genus and species of goby (Gobiidae), colloquially called “rhinoceros blenny” before formal description. ([40])
Pole-Cam Technique
Developed a bicycle-brake-operated pole-cam system for surface reflection and over-under shots, first documented during the 2008 Wetpixel July Expedition in the Bahamas. ([41])
Education and Workshops
Mustard has been described as one of the few elite underwater photographers who can effectively teach others, combining technical knowledge with the ability to present complex subjects practically. ([42])
- Wetpixel Macro Workshops (Lembeh): Annual workshop series run jointly with Wetpixel, with sessions in 2013, 2016 (28 participants), 2018, 2020, and 2022. ([43], [44])
- Grand Cayman workshops: Digital Jam 2005 (hosted), Cayman Digital Madness (2006). ([45], [46])
- Red Sea Photo Workshop: Annual event on MV Blue Horizon, used for several camera reviews. ([47])
- Mustard and Edge lectures: Partnership with Martin Edge, including a landmark event in November 2010 at Imperial College London that drew over 240 attendees (possibly the largest turnout of underwater photographers for a single event) from across the UK and Europe. ([48])
- Natural History Museum masterclass: Presented at the Attenborough Studio, London (2014). ([49])
- Underwater fashion photography: Conducted workshops incorporating underwater model Katrin Felton for fashion shoots in the Red Sea (2014). ([50])
Publications
Books
- The Art of Diving (2006): Co-authored with Nick Hanna. 272 pages with 200 images. A philosophical rather than technical manual — described as “Walden for the underwater set” in its Wetpixel review. Featured an accompanying members-only website with behind-the-scenes content and technical details for every image. Also available in German. ([51], [52])
- Reefs Revealed (2007): Large-format hardback photo book about coral reefs with 7,500-word introduction and extended natural history captions drawn from scientific literature. Won the Prix Mondial Du Livre D’Image Sous-Marine (World Prize for Underwater Photo Book) at the Antibes Festival. Mustard joined the ranks of Doubilet, Newbert, Amsler, Wu, and Ballesta as winners of this prize. Introduced the [M] designation for digitally manipulated images and offset all carbon emissions from travel. ([53])
- Underwater Photography Masterclass (2016): First instructional book. Over 190 pages with color illustrations. Focus on light and lighting techniques. Described by Adam Hanlon in his review as a “game changer” with “no other underwater photography text in print that deals with as many ideas and techniques.” First printing sold out within 2 weeks. Compared favorably to Martin Edge’s The Underwater Photographer as “complementary” — tutorial vs. reference. ([54], [55])
- Secrets of the Seas (2016): Co-authored with marine scientist Professor Callum Roberts (University of York). Each chapter features a 1,500-word essay about challenges facing the marine environment. Published by Bloomsbury Natural History. ([56])
- Diving The Thistlegorm (2020): Book about the famous Red Sea wreck.
- 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography (2024).
Columns and Articles
- “The Trouble with TTL” editorial column on Wetpixel (2006). ([57])
- PhotoPro column in DIVE Magazine (UK), monthly from January 2009. ([58])
- IMAGES column in Sport Diver magazine. ([59])
- The Wetpixel Rinse Tank column (2011–). ([60])
- Close Focus series on Wetpixel (2017–). ([61])
- Full Frame essays on Wetpixel, including Misool, Raja Ampat (May 2021). ([62])
- Contributor to UwP Magazine (issues 20, 21, 25, 27, 29, 32, 50, 86, and more). ([63], [64], [65])
- 143 articles authored on Wetpixel, 282 articles mentioning him. Of these, at least 12 were guest articles written by Mustard but published through editors’ accounts. These include field reviews of the Nikon D7000, D7100, D750, D5, and Sony a7R V; the Nauticam 140mm dome port, WACP, and EMWL 160-degree lens; the Retra Flash and ONEUW 160X strobe; and the “Night Moves” making-of and “Rig Diver” Close Focus essays.
Competition Awards
- BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year: Awards in 9 categories. Winner of Animal Portraits category (2005, hamlet portrait) with runner-up in Animal Behaviour (hamlet spawning). ([66]) First photographer awarded in WPY with an underwater mirrorless shot (2012). ([67])
- GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2013: Overall winner with “Night Moves” — the first underwater photo to win the overall prize. Long exposure (3 seconds) of bar jacks hunting over a coral reef at night using continuous lighting and a tripod. Nikon D700, Nikon 16-35mm, Subal ND700, Zen 230 dome. 16,500+ entries. ([68])
- WPY 2021 Natural Artistry: Winner with “Bedazzled” (ghost pipefish among feather star). Nikon D850, Trioplan 100mm, 12mm extension tube, ND8 filter, FIT +5 close-up lens, Subal housing, two Retra strobes. ([69])
- WPY 2013: Winner of competition categories, leading to interview at the Attenborough Studio, Natural History Museum, London. ([70])
- British Wildlife Photography Awards: Two category wins in 2014 with shots taken using his custom 150mm acrylic dome and Nikon D4. ([71])
- Antibes Festival: Four awards (2002). ([72])
- Raja Ampat Tourism Entry Tag Contest: First and second place (2007). His pygmy seahorse portrait “Big Personality” printed on all 2008 Raja Ampat Tourism Entry System tags. ([73])
- Celebrate the Sea/Wetpixel contest: Honorable mention (2004). ([74])
- Seahorses of the World competition: Third place (pygmy seahorse, Lembeh Strait, 2005). ([75])
- Visions in the Sea Award: Won with YUP members (2003). ([76])
- Birmingham Image 2003 Festival: Prize recipient (2003). ([77])
- Over 200 magazine covers, 900+ published articles worldwide.
Viral Image and Media
Mustard’s self-portrait with a harbour seal at the Farne Islands, Northumberland went viral in July 2012, published in the Daily Mail, Huffington Post, and Globo (Brazil’s largest media outlet). ([78]) His wreck portfolio was published in the Daily Mail and The Telegraph in February 2011, with additional pickup by Globo. ([79])
Gear and Systems
Throughout his career, Mustard has been primarily a Nikon and Subal shooter, with extensive use of Nauticam systems as well:
- Housings: Confirmed 7 Subal housings over his career. ([80]) Also used Nauticam housings extensively starting with the NA-D7000 (2010). As of 2011, had used Subal for over 2,000 dives on overseas trips. ([81])
- Cameras: Nikon D100, D2X (67,000+ shots with Subal housing), D700 (125,000+ photos), D7000, D3, D4, D800, D5, D810, D850, D7200; Olympus OM-D E-M5; Sony a7R V. Also maintained a D700 with vintage Nikonos SB-102 and SB-104 strobes in the Mediterranean. ([82])
- Strobes: Subtronic Alpha, Seacam 150, Inon Z240, Retra Flash. Collaborated with Retra on strobe design. ([83])
- Dome ports: Maintained an arsenal including 80mm (for 2x crop Olympus), 100mm/Zen 100 (for 1.5x crop DX), custom one-off 150mm acrylic (for full frame, commissioned 2010), and Zen 230mm. ([84])
- Lenses: Nikon 16mm fisheye, Sigma 15mm fisheye, Nikon 105mm VR, Nikon 8-15mm, Nikon 14-24mm, Nikon 20mm, Nikonos RS 13mm, Tokina 10-17mm, Trioplan 100mm (for creative macro).
- Specialty: DIY ring flash from two Inon Z240s and homemade reflector ring, tested in Cayman (2009). (forum community) Bicycle-brake pole-cam system (2008). ([85])
Timeline
- Age 9: Begins underwater photography.
- 2002: Gets first digital SLR housing. Wins four awards at the Antibes Festival. ([86])
- 2003-01: Publishes the first underwater review of the Nikon D100 in Underwater Photography (UwP) magazine. Joins the Wetpixel community. (per Alex Mustard, 2026-06-09)
- 2003-05: Dive Magazine publishes first all-digital cover (Douglas David Seifert whale shark); Mustard discussed significance on Wetpixel. ([87])
- 2003-07: Provides photos for Craig Jones’s ambient light photography feature, introducing filter-based strobe-free technique to still photographers. ([88])
- 2003-10: Gives digital photography presentation at Visions in the Sea 2003; wins Visions in the Sea Award with YUP members. ([89])
- 2003-11: Receives prize at Birmingham Image 2003 Festival. ([90])
- 2004-02: Joins Wetpixel as moderator. ([91])
- 2004-02: Reviews BBC’s Deep Blue film for Wetpixel. ([92])
- 2004-03: Named to Wetpixel photo contest jury alongside Stephen Frink, David Fleetham, Jim Watt. ([93])
- 2004-08: Reviews Subal ND70 housing for Nikon D70. ([94])
- 2004-10: Honorable mention at Celebrate the Sea/Wetpixel digital portfolio contest. ([95])
- 2004-10: Contributes to UwP Magazine issues 20 and 21. ([96])
- 2004-11: Writes comprehensive Antibes Festival 2004 report; notes Nikon D70 is most popular DSLR at the festival. ([97])
- 2004-11: Hosts Grand Cayman Digital Jam 2005. ([98])
- 2004: Leaves marine biology academia to pursue UW photography full time.
- 2005-02-04: 30th birthday; posts eight favorite photos from the year. ([99])
- 2005-03: Cover of Dive Magazine. ([100])
- 2005-03: First-look review of Nikon D2X with Subal ND2 from Red Sea. ([101])
- 2005-05: Reviews UR Pro Shallow Water CY filter, finding excellent results. Tested on Olympus 5060 and Nikon D70. ([102])
- 2005-06: Hosts 1-to-1 special digital day at Ocean Optics. ([103])
- 2005-07: Magic Filter scores first UwP Magazine cover (issue 25). ([104])
- 2005-08: Magic Filter goes on sale commercially. ([105])
- 2005-10: Wins BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Animal Portraits category; runner-up in Animal Behaviour. ([106])
- 2005-10: Third place in Seahorses of the World competition. ([107])
- 2005-10: Speaks at Visions in the Sea 2005 on filter photography. ([108])
- 2005-11: Judges BP Kongsberg Underwater Image Competition. ([109])
- 2005-11: Macro article in UwP issue 27. ([110])
- 2006-01: Publishes “The Trouble with TTL” — influential editorial sparking community debate on strobe control. ([111])
- 2006-02: Seminar at Cameras Underwater. ([112])
- 2006-03: The Art of Diving published (co-authored with Nick Hanna). ([113])
- 2006-06: Runs Cayman Digital Madness photo event at Ocean Frontiers. ([114])
- 2006-11: Shows underwater photography to Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh. Unable to persuade the Queen to sign up to Wetpixel. ([115])
- 2007-06: James Wiseman publishes complementary filter technique article building on Mustard’s Magic Filter work. ([116])
- 2007-08: Interviewed alongside Eric Cheng for FiNS Foto Feature. ([117])
- 2007-10: Tests Nikon D3 and D300 pre-release cameras, including 14-24mm lens. ([118])
- 2007-10: Wins Raja Ampat Tourism Entry Tag contest (pygmy seahorse). ([119])
- 2007-10: Reefs Revealed wins Prix Mondial at Antibes Festival. ([120])
- 2007-12: Speaks at National Oceanography Centre, Southampton — his former research institution. ([121])
- 2008: Uses Subal D2X for 67,000+ shots; obtains wider Subal port (96mm vs 85mm standard) for 105mm VR. (forum community)
- 2008-07: Leads Wetpixel July Expedition (Bahamas); introduces pole-cam/bicycle brake technique for surface reflection shots. ([122])
- 2008-09: Publishes landmark 3-part Nikon D3 field review. ([123])
- 2008-10: Shares DEMA 2008 booth with Wetpixel; demonstrates Magic Filters with Peter Rowlands. ([124])
- 2008-11: Publishes Nikon D700/Subal ND700 field review from Red Sea. ([125])
- 2009-01: Begins monthly PhotoPro column in DIVE Magazine. ([126])
- 2009-02: “Shooting Magic” DVD released with Peter Rowlands. ([127])
- 2009-05: Leads Wetpixel Bahamas Oceanic White-Tip Shark Expedition. ([128])
- 2010-08: Zeeland (Netherlands) workshop video published online. ([129])
- 2010-08: Scottish Nature Photography Fair speaking engagement. ([130])
- 2010-11: Mustard and Edge lecture at Imperial College London draws 240+ attendees. ([131])
- 2010-12: Publishes Nikon D7000/Nauticam NA-D7000 review — world’s first underwater test. ([132])
- 2011-02: Wreck portfolio published in Daily Mail and The Telegraph. ([133])
- 2011-08: Launches “The Wetpixel Rinse Tank” column. ([134])
- 2011: 2020VISION UK conservation photography project — travels from Land’s End to Shetland Islands shooting fluorescent anemones, freshwater amphibians, seabirds, basking sharks, and rockpooling children. ([135])
- 2012-04: World’s first underwater test of Nikon D4 at Iceland’s Silfra — world’s only housing. ([136])
- 2012-05: Publishes Nikon D4 field review. ([137])
- 2012-06: Reviews Olympus OM-D E-M5 — landmark mirrorless camera review. ([138])
- 2012-07: Seal self-portrait goes viral (Daily Mail, Huffington Post, Globo). ([139])
- 2012: Leads Wetpixel Whale Sharks expedition to Isla Mujeres (300-400 whale sharks). (forum community)
- 2013-05: Community member Bart photographs unknown blenny/goby species at Marsa Shagra (later identified as Cerogobius petrophilus). ([140])
- 2013-10: Wins GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2013 with “Night Moves.” ([141])
- 2014-03: Interviewed at Attenborough Studio, Natural History Museum London about WPY 2013 wins. ([142])
- 2014-07: Underwater fashion photography workshop in Red Sea with model Katrin Felton. ([143])
- 2014-09-06: Marries Eleonora Manca in Sardinia. ([144])
- 2014-11: Nauticam 140mm dome port review; Nikon D750 field review from the Red Sea. ([145])
- 2014-12: Pool tests optical corrector port prototype (WACP precursor). (forum community)
- 2014: Co-founds/revives Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY) competition.
- 2015-02: Independently finds rhinoceros blenny/goby at Gubal Island, Red Sea. ([146])
- 2015: Chairs WPY 2015 judging panel. Serves as judge at Our World Underwater 2015 and CMAS 2015.
- 2016-01: Underwater Photography Masterclass published; first printing sells out within 2 weeks. ([147])
- 2016: Co-leads inaugural Lembeh-Gulen Critter Shootout as overall organizer. ([148])
- 2016-09: Secrets of the Seas published with Callum Roberts. ([149])
- 2016-09: Nikon D5 first thoughts review. ([150])
- 2017-02: Previews Retra Flash strobe. ([151])
- 2017-09: Publishes comprehensive Retra Flash field review. ([152])
- 2017: Reviews Nikon 8-15mm fisheye underwater; reviews Nauticam WACP. Captain of Team Lembeh for Shootout 2018. ([153])
- 2018-06-08: Awarded MBE for “services to underwater photography.” ([154])
- 2018-06: Team captain for Team Lembeh at The Shootout 2018. ([155])
- 2019-07: Reviews ONEUW 160X strobe in Red Sea. ([156])
- 2019: Cerogobius petrophilus formally described — the goby species Mustard co-discovered.
- 2020-06: Hosts virtual image review for Lembeh workshop participants during COVID lockdown. ([157])
- 2020-07: Co-launches Wetpixel Live YouTube series with Adam Hanlon. ([158])
- 2021-05: Full Frame essay on Misool, Raja Ampat published. ([159])
- 2021-10: Wins WPY 2021 Natural Artistry with “Bedazzled” (ghost pipefish, Nikon D850, Trioplan 100mm, Subal housing, Retra strobes). ([160])
- 2022-03: “Is the SLR Dead?” discussion on Wetpixel Live. ([161])
- 2022-09: Reviews Nauticam EMWL 160-degree lens at God’s Pocket, Canada. ([162])
- 2023-02: Reviews Sony a7R V — “the first mirrorless I enjoyed shooting underwater more than my SLR.” ([163])
- 2024: Becomes President of British Society of Underwater Photographers. Publishes 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography.
- 2026: Magic Filters ceases trading upon Peter Rowlands’ retirement. (per Alex Mustard, 2026-06-09)
References
External
Wetpixel Articles (editorial)
Other Wetpixel Articles (editorial)
Forum Sources (community)
Data Sources
Wetpixel Live
Sources
- Wetpixel article, Feb 4, 2005: Alex Mustard Birthday Gallery ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 5, 2007: Alex Mustard National Oceanography Centre Southampton ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 27, 2004: Alex Mustard Joins Wetpixel ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 27, 2004: Alex Mustard Joins Wetpixel ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 7, 2014: Congratulations Alex Mustard And Eleonora Manca ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 3, 2016: Alex Mustard Nikon D5 First Thoughts ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 8, 2018: Alex Mustard Is Awarded An Mbe ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 25, 2005: Magic Filters Available ↩
- Forum thread: Underwater Filter Discussion ↩
- Forum thread: Setting White Balance ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 4, 2005: Uwp Magazines 25th Anniversary Issue ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 25, 2005: Magic Filters Available ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 29, 2008: Dema 2008 Magic Filters And Uwp Mag ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 12, 2009: Magic Filters Releases New Dvd Shooting Magic ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 15, 2005: Nikon D2x And Subal Nd2 Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 20, 2004: Subal Subal D70 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 22, 2007: Alex Mustard Tests Out Nikons D3 And D300 Slrs ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 16, 2008: Nikon D3 Field Review In The East Pacific Part 1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 17, 2008: Review Nikon D700 In Subal Nd700 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 2, 2010: Field Review Nikon D7000 And Nauticam Na D7000 ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 3, 2012: Nikon D4 Field Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 1, 2012: Alex Mustard Reviews Olympus Om D E M5 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 3, 2016: Alex Mustard Nikon D5 First Thoughts ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 15, 2014: Review Nauticam 140mm Dome Port By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 20, 2017: Field Review Retra Flash By Alex Mustard And Friends ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 10, 2019: Field Review Oneuw 160x Strobe By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2022: Field Review Nauticam Emwl With 160 Degree Lens By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 4, 2023: Review Sony A7r V By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 14, 2006: The Trouble With Ttl ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 21, 2011: The Wetpixel Rinse Tank Number 1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 29, 2017: Close Focus Rig Diver By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 10, 2020: Announcing Wetpixel Live ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 22, 2020: Wetpixel Live Alex Mustards Uw Photography Gear ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 1, 2022: Wetpixel Live Is The Slr Dead ↩
- Source: wetpixel_live/224-wetpixel-live-alex-mustard-2020-photo-collection-part-1.md ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 2, 2005: Bp Kongsberg Underwater Image Competition ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 21, 2004: Wetpixel Announces Bi Monthly Photo Contest ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 19, 2005: Results Seahorses Of The World Photo Comp ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 29, 2007: Reefs Revealed A New Book By Alex Mustard ↩
- Forum thread: Red Sea Rhinoceros Blenny ↩
- Forum thread: Sharks Dolphins And Reflections ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 29, 2016: Review Underwater Photography Masterclass By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 6, 2016: Wetpixel Mustard Macro Workshop 2016 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 6, 2018: Live Reports Wetpixel Mustard Macro Workshop 2018 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 17, 2004: Grand Cayman Digital Jam 2005 Walex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 8, 2006: Cayman Digital Madness ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 17, 2008: Review Nikon D700 In Subal Nd700 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 6, 2010: Martin Edge And Alex Mustard On Underwater Photography ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 7, 2014: Interview Alex Mustard At The Natural History Museum ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 14, 2014: Video Behind The Scenes Fashion With Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 2, 2006: Alex Mustards Art Of Diving ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 23, 2007: Review Of The Art Of Diving By Nick Hanna And Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 29, 2007: Reefs Revealed A New Book By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 29, 2016: Book Release Underwater Photography Masterclass By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 29, 2016: Review Underwater Photography Masterclass By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 7, 2016: Introducing Secrets Of The Seas By Alex Mustard And Callum Roberts ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 14, 2006: The Trouble With Ttl ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 14, 2009: Alex Mustard Writes Photopro Column ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 29, 2017: Close Focus Rig Diver By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 21, 2011: The Wetpixel Rinse Tank Number 1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 29, 2017: Close Focus Rig Diver By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 2, 2021: Alex Mustard Misool ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 6, 2004: Uwp Mag Issue 21 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 4, 2005: Uwp Magazines 25th Anniversary Issue ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 1, 2005: Uwp Magazine 27 Available For Download ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 20, 2005: Alex Mustard Wins At Bbc Wildlife Competition ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 4, 2023: Review Sony A7r V By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 28, 2013: The Making Of An Image Night Moves By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 12, 2021: Results Marine Related Winners Of Wildlife Photographer Of The Year 2021 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 7, 2014: Interview Alex Mustard At The Natural History Museum ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 15, 2014: Review Nauticam 140mm Dome Port By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 27, 2004: Alex Mustard Joins Wetpixel ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 25, 2007: Alex Mustard Wins 2008 Raja Ampat Tourism Entry Tag Contest ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 4, 2004: Celebrate The Seawetpixel Contest Winners ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 19, 2005: Results Seahorses Of The World Photo Comp ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 24, 2003: Visions In The Sea 2003 Coverage ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 11, 2003: Birmingham Festival 2003 Coverage ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 24, 2012: Alex Mustard Image Goes Viral ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 17, 2011: World Shipwreck Images By Alex Mustard ↩
- Forum thread: What Housing For A D700 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 21, 2011: The Wetpixel Rinse Tank Number 1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 21, 2011: The Wetpixel Rinse Tank Number 1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 20, 2017: Field Review Retra Flash By Alex Mustard And Friends ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 15, 2014: Review Nauticam 140mm Dome Port By Alex Mustard ↩
- Forum thread: Sharks Dolphins And Reflections ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 27, 2004: Alex Mustard Joins Wetpixel ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 15, 2003: Dive Magazine First Digital Cover1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 21, 2003: Feature Ambient Light Photography ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 24, 2003: Visions In The Sea 2003 Coverage ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 11, 2003: Birmingham Festival 2003 Coverage ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 27, 2004: Alex Mustard Joins Wetpixel ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 11, 2004: Deep Blue Bbc Movie ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 21, 2004: Wetpixel Announces Bi Monthly Photo Contest ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 20, 2004: Subal Subal D70 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 4, 2004: Celebrate The Seawetpixel Contest Winners ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 6, 2004: Uwp Mag Issue 21 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 1, 2004: Antibes Festival 2004 Report1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 17, 2004: Grand Cayman Digital Jam 2005 Walex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 4, 2005: Alex Mustard Birthday Gallery ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 2, 2005: Alex Mustard Cover Of Dive Magazine ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 15, 2005: Nikon D2x And Subal Nd2 Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 28, 2005: Ur Pro Shallow Water Filter Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 30, 2005: 1 To 1 With Alex Mustard Special Digital Day At Ocean Optics ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 4, 2005: Uwp Magazines 25th Anniversary Issue ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 25, 2005: Magic Filters Available ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 20, 2005: Alex Mustard Wins At Bbc Wildlife Competition ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 19, 2005: Results Seahorses Of The World Photo Comp ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 23, 2005: Visions Conference Report ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 2, 2005: Bp Kongsberg Underwater Image Competition ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 1, 2005: Uwp Magazine 27 Available For Download ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 14, 2006: The Trouble With Ttl ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 14, 2006: Alex Mustard Seminar Feb 15th ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 2, 2006: Alex Mustards Art Of Diving ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 8, 2006: Cayman Digital Madness ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 9, 2006: Alex Mustards Appointment With The Queen ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 15, 2007: Complementary Filters And Wide Angle Underwater Photography ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 22, 2007: Fins Interviews Eric Cheng And Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 22, 2007: Alex Mustard Tests Out Nikons D3 And D300 Slrs ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 25, 2007: Alex Mustard Wins 2008 Raja Ampat Tourism Entry Tag Contest ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 29, 2007: Reefs Revealed A New Book By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 5, 2007: Alex Mustard National Oceanography Centre Southampton ↩
- Forum thread: Sharks Dolphins And Reflections ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 16, 2008: Nikon D3 Field Review In The East Pacific Part 1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 29, 2008: Dema 2008 Magic Filters And Uwp Mag ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 17, 2008: Review Nikon D700 In Subal Nd700 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 14, 2009: Alex Mustard Writes Photopro Column ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 12, 2009: Magic Filters Releases New Dvd Shooting Magic ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 24, 2009: Wetpixel Bahamas Oceanic White Tip Expedition 2009 Returns To Port ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 13, 2010: Video Of Alex Mustards Zeeland Workshop Online ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 31, 2010: Alex Mustard To Speak At Scottish Nature Photography Fair ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 6, 2010: Martin Edge And Alex Mustard On Underwater Photography ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 2, 2010: Field Review Nikon D7000 And Nauticam Na D7000 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 17, 2011: World Shipwreck Images By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 21, 2011: The Wetpixel Rinse Tank Number 1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 21, 2011: The Wetpixel Rinse Tank Number 1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 3, 2012: Nikon D4 Field Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 3, 2012: Nikon D4 Field Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 1, 2012: Alex Mustard Reviews Olympus Om D E M5 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 24, 2012: Alex Mustard Image Goes Viral ↩
- Forum thread: Red Sea Rhinoceros Blenny ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 28, 2013: The Making Of An Image Night Moves By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 7, 2014: Interview Alex Mustard At The Natural History Museum ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 14, 2014: Video Behind The Scenes Fashion With Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 7, 2014: Congratulations Alex Mustard And Eleonora Manca ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 15, 2014: Review Nauticam 140mm Dome Port By Alex Mustard ↩
- Forum thread: Red Sea Rhinoceros Blenny ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 29, 2016: Book Release Underwater Photography Masterclass By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 22, 2017: Call For Participants The Shootout 2018 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 7, 2016: Introducing Secrets Of The Seas By Alex Mustard And Callum Roberts ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 3, 2016: Alex Mustard Nikon D5 First Thoughts ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 1, 2017: Preview Retra Strobe By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 20, 2017: Field Review Retra Flash By Alex Mustard And Friends ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 22, 2017: Call For Participants The Shootout 2018 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 8, 2018: Alex Mustard Is Awarded An Mbe ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 16, 2018: The Shootout 2018 Is Underway In Lembeh And Gulen ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 10, 2019: Field Review Oneuw 160x Strobe By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 7, 2020: Alex Mustard Hosts Virtual Image Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 10, 2020: Announcing Wetpixel Live ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 2, 2021: Alex Mustard Misool ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 12, 2021: Results Marine Related Winners Of Wildlife Photographer Of The Year 2021 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 1, 2022: Wetpixel Live Is The Slr Dead ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2022: Field Review Nauticam Emwl With 160 Degree Lens By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 4, 2023: Review Sony A7r V By Alex Mustard ↩
- Alex Mustard joins Wetpixel (article) ↩
- Subal D70 Review (article) ↩
- Antibes Festival 2004 Report (article) ↩
- Nikon D2X and Subal ND2 Review (article) ↩
- Magic Filters available (article) ↩
- UR Pro Shallow Water Filter Review (article) ↩
- Alex Mustard wins at BBC Wildlife Competition (article) ↩
- Visions Conference 2005 Report (article) ↩
- The Trouble with TTL (article) ↩
- The Art of Diving (article) ↩
- Alex Mustard’s appointment with the Queen (article) ↩
- Review of The Art of Diving (article) ↩
- FiNS interviews Eric Cheng and Alex Mustard (article) ↩
- Reefs Revealed (article) ↩
- Alex Mustard wins Raja Ampat contest (article) ↩
- Alex Mustard tests Nikon D3 and D300 (article) ↩
- Alex Mustard at National Oceanography Centre (article) ↩
- Nikon D3 Field Review Part 1 (article) ↩
- Nikon D700 in Subal ND700 Review (article) ↩
- Alex Mustard writes PhotoPro column (article) ↩
- Wetpixel Bahamas Expedition 2009 (article) ↩
- Mustard and Edge lecture at Imperial College (article) ↩
- D7000 + Nauticam NA-D7000 field review (article) ↩
- World shipwreck images (article) ↩
- The Wetpixel Rinse Tank Number 1 (article) ↩
- Nikon D4 field review (article) ↩
- Olympus OM-D E-M5 review (article) ↩
- Alex Mustard image goes viral (article) ↩
- Night Moves — Making of an Image (article) ↩
- Interview at Natural History Museum (article) ↩
- Fashion with Alex Mustard (article) ↩
- Congratulations Alex Mustard and Eleonora Manca (article) ↩
- Nauticam 140mm dome port review (article) ↩
- Underwater Photography Masterclass release (article) ↩
- Review: Underwater Photography Masterclass (article) ↩
- Nikon D5 First Thoughts (article) ↩
- Secrets of the Seas (article) ↩
- Close Focus: Rig Diver (article) ↩
- Retra Flash field review (article) ↩
- Alex Mustard is awarded an MBE (article) ↩
- ONEUW 160X strobe review (article) ↩
- Alex Mustard hosts virtual image review (article) ↩
- Announcing Wetpixel Live (article) ↩
- Alex Mustard’s UW Photography Gear (article) ↩
- Alex Mustard Misool essay (article) ↩
- WPY 2021 results (article) ↩
- Is the SLR Dead? (article) ↩
- Nauticam EMWL 160-degree review (article) ↩
- Sony a7R V review (article) ↩
- Birthday Gallery (30th) (article) ↩
- Ambient Light Photography feature (article) ↩
- Visions in the Sea 2003 (article) ↩
- Birmingham Festival 2003 (article) ↩
- Wetpixel photo contest (article) ↩
- Celebrate the Sea contest (article) ↩
- UwP Magazine issue 21 (article) ↩
- Grand Cayman Digital Jam 2005 (article) ↩
- Dive Magazine first digital cover (article) ↩
- Seahorses of the World competition (article) ↩
- BP Kongsberg competition (article) ↩
- UwP Magazine 27 (article) ↩
- Cayman Digital Madness (article) ↩
- Complementary filters article (article) ↩
- DEMA 2008 Magic Filters (article) ↩
- Shooting Magic DVD (article) ↩
- The Shootout 2018 (article) ↩
- The Shootout 2018 underway (article) ↩
- Red Sea rhinoceros blenny thread (forum) ↩
- Sharks, dolphins, and reflections (pole-cam) (forum) ↩
- What housing for a D700 (Subal count) (forum) ↩
- Underwater filter discussion (Magic Filter details) (forum) ↩
- Setting white balance (PAS Magic Filter) (forum) ↩
- Wetpixel Live Ep. 11: Alex Mustard’s Underwater Photography Gear (unknown) ↩
- Wetpixel Live Ep. 224: Alex Mustard 20:20 Photo Collection Part 1 (unknown) ↩
- Wetpixel Live Ep. 225: Alex Mustard 20:20 Photo Collection Part 2 (unknown) ↩